Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Australia is home to some of the most bizarre and unusual mammalian fauna on the planet; it is one of only two countries where all three extant subclasses of mammals, including marsupials (the metatheria), can be found. During this unit, students will explore a series of fascinating lectures, labs and field excursions that will highlight the unique biology of Australian marsupials. Contrasts will be drawn between marsupials and monotremes, and native eutherian mammals. The unit will endeavour to focus on Western Australian species wherever possible. The topics to be covered during the course of the unit will include: 1) origin and evolution, 2) diversity across ecological niches, 3) musculoskeletal anatomy and adaptations, 4) unique anatomy, 5) reproductive biology (including contrasts with monotremes and Australian rodents), 6) nutrition and feeding strategies, 7) thermoregulation and ecophysiology, 8) communication and social behaviour, 9) health and disease, 10) an indigenous perspective, 11) marsupials in suburbia and 12) threats, decline and management strategies. The unit will include 12 weeks of lectures, laboratory sessions, excursions and field work (combined online/face-to-face delivery).
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) explain the basic science and concepts underpinning marsupial biology; (2) demonstrate appropriate use of techniques and equipment in the field to study marsupial biology; (3) interpret self-generated data on a topic related to marsupial biology; (4) work effectively and collaboratively in groups, and individually, in the pursuit of scientific knowledge related to marsupial biology; and (5) communicate outcomes to others using the discourse conventions relevant to the field of animal biology.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes and worksheets; (2) individual written report; and (3) group oral presentation. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Renee Firman and Professor Amanda Ridley
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in
- Advisable prior study
- a major in Conservation Biology
or Zoology or equivalent
- Incidental fees
- Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):Field Trip (estimated cost - 150).
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.